Aston Villa’s Steve Bruce Reportedly Draws up 4-Player Shortlist

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce wants to leave no stone unturned in the club’s promotion bid this season and is keeping tabs on up to four players in January. The Telegraph claims that Bruce has identified four main targets – Fabian Delph, Henri Lansbury, Tom Cleverley and Matty James, and wants to sign at least two of them.

Bruce has already confirmed his interest in Lansbury following the FA Cup defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

He is also reportedly interested in signing Delph from Man City on a loan deal until the end of the season. However, his decision to bring Delph back to Villa Park could draw sharp reactions from fans, who still haven’t forgiven the midfielder for walking out on the club in 2015.

Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley and Leicester City midfielder Matty James also remain possible targets for Bruce.

However, Villa are expected to face fierce competition from other Premier League and Championship clubs for all four of their targets.